The government says fuel suppliers have partnered with the police and the National Works Agency (NWA) to help transport fuel to gas stations in western Jamaica, following Hurricane Melissa.

Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, St. James, Trelawny and Manchester were severely damaged, when the category 5 hurricane made landfall on Tuesday.

Several thoroughfares in those parishes have been destroyed or blocked, making access difficult.

Speaking at a special press briefing yesterday, Energy minister Daryl Vaz said efforts are being made to distribute fuel in those severely impacted areas, as the supply at gas stations is running low.

Meantime, Rubis Energy Jamaica has resumed the haulage and dispatch of fuel to several of its service stations across the island, following the passage of hurricane melissa.

Fuel distribution recommenced as early as Wednesday, after the completion of a comprehensive post-hurricane assessment.

Since then, the company has continued to reopen its service stations islandwide, including those located in the hard-hit parishes of Westmoreland, St. James, Trelawny and Manchester.

Ongoing evaluations are being carried out to determine the operational readiness and safety conditions of other locations.

Chief Executive Officer of the Rockfort-based company Michel Malatino reassured that Rubis Energy Jamaica maintains adequate fuel reserves to meet market demand.